Giant Moon sculpture to be displayed at science hub

A giant illuminated sculpture of the moon is set to go on display at one of the UK's leading science hubs.

The lunar replica, which is 23ft (7m) wide, will go on display to members of the public at Harwell Campus, in Oxfordshire, on 21 May.

It is part of a project marking the 80 years of world-leading research at the campus.

Museum of the Moon, created by British artist Luke Jerram, has toured across 41 countries and been seen by more than 20 million visitors since first being displayed in 2016.

It uses NASA imagery to show the Moon's surface, with each centimetre of the internally-lit sphere representing three miles (5km) of lunar terrain.

Mr Jerram previously created a glass sculpture of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine to mark 10 million vaccinations being given to people in the UK. It went on display at the History of Science Museum in Oxford.

Rebecca Duvall, head of community at Harwell Campus, commented: "We're incredibly proud to launch our 80th anniversary celebrations with this remarkable installation."

"The Museum of the Moon is a fitting tribute to the spirit of innovation that has defined Harwell since its beginnings."

She said said the campus was "looking forward to sharing this unique experience" with the public.

During the exhibition, which lasts until 6 June, yoga sessions, expert talks about space and the moon, and even a silent disco will take place at the display.

Ms Duvall added that Museum of the Moon marked the start of a "two-year journey of celebration, innovation and discovery".

More than 200 organisations currently have bases at the site, including the European Space Agency and US pharmaceutical giant Moderna.

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